Helmet for a hockey or lacrosse player

ABSTRACT

A helmet for receiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player, the helmet having an outer shell and an inner lining covering at least partially the inner surface of the outer shell. In one embodiment, the helmet comprises a skeleton at least partially covered by the inner lining, a movable occipital pad and movable temple pads. The inner lining can be made of an absorptive material such as foam, expanded polypropylene or expanded polyethylene and can be overmolded onto the skeleton. The occipital pad and the temple pads may be arranged with an inward bias so as to help the helmet self-adjust to provide an advantageous fit on the player&#39;s head. In some embodiments, the outer shell and skeleton, or the outer shell and the inner lining, cooperate to define a ventilation system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 12/408,084 filed on Mar. 20, 2009, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/038,547, which was filed on Mar. 21,2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to a helmet for receiving the head of a hockeyor lacrosse player.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Protective helmets are worn in several types of sports and hazardousactivities. Conventional types of helmets employ a rigid or semi-rigidouter shell that defines a space, which accommodates the head of theplayer. An inner lining, typically comprising one or more pads, isattached to an inner surface of the shell so as to be interposed betweenthe shell and the head of the player. The shell and lining cooperate toprovide a measure of protection from impact forces.

Since every player's head is different, one challenge with helmets isachieving a proper fit. In addition, in contact sports such as hockey,the fit of the helmet can be upset somewhat during play due to jostlingand impact between players. In addition, due to the high speed of thegame, player may not have the opportunity to realign a helmet duringplay. Additionally, significant heat is generated during spirited playof action sports. Conventional helmets tend to allow such heat toaccumulate within the helmet causing discomfort and possibly affectingan athlete's performance. Further, since protection from impact forcesis a main role of helmets, helmet makers are continually developingimproved methods and structures for absorbing and dissipating impactforces so as to enhance protection of the player.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved hockey orlacrosse helmet that can substantially align itself on the player'shead, has improved ventilation, and/or has improved impact absorption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As embodied and broadly described herein, according to one aspect, thepresent invention provides a helmet for receiving the head of a hockeyor lacrosse player, the helmet extending along a longitudinal axis andcomprising: (a) an outer shell for covering at least a portion of thehead, the outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface; (b)a skeleton mounted within the outer shell, the skeleton being made of asemi-rigid material and having an inner surface and an outer surface,the skeleton comprising a plurality of members, the plurality of memberscomprising at least one member having first and second projecting wallsand a bottom wall extending therebetween, each projecting wall extendingupwardly from the bottom wall at an angle higher than 90° relative tothe bottom wall and towards the inner surface of the outer shell suchthat, in use, said first and second projecting walls are adapted todeflect upon an impact to said outer shell, and wherein the first andsecond projecting walls and the bottom wall define an elongated channel;and (c) an inner lining at least partially covering the inner surface ofthe skeleton, the inner lining having an inner surface for contacting asubstantial portion of the player's head.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a helmet forreceiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player, the helmet extendingalong a longitudinal axis and comprising: (a) an outer shell forcovering at least a portion of the head, the outer shell having an innersurface and an outer surface; (b) an inner lining at least partiallycovering the inner surface of the outer shell; (c) a rigid pad supporthingedly mounted adjacent to the inner lining; and (d) a pad affixed tothe rigid pad support and covering a portion of the inner surface of theouter shell, the rigid pad support and the pad being deflectable betweena first position and a second position relative to the outer shell, thesecond position being towards an interior of the helmet relative to thefirst position, the rigid pad support being biased to extend inwardlyfrom the inner surface of the outer shell in the second position suchthat, in use, when the player dons the helmet, the rigid pad support andthe pad are deflected so that the pad exerts a force on the player'shead in the first position, a thickness of the pad remaining generallythe same from the second position to the first position.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a helmet forreceiving a head of a hockey or lacrosse player, the helmet extendingalong a longitudinal axis and comprising: (a) an outer shell forcovering at least a portion of the head, the outer shell comprising afront shell portion and a rear shell portion wherein, in use, the frontand rear shell portions are movable relative to one another so as toadjust the size of the helmet, each of the front and rear shell portionshaving an inner surface and an outer surface; (b) a front skeletonportion mounted within the front shell portion, the front skeletonportion being made of a semi-rigid material and having an inner surfaceand an outer surface, the front skeleton portion comprising a pluralityof front members, the plurality of front members comprising at least onefront member having first and second projecting walls and a bottom wallextending therebetween, each projecting wall extending upwardly from thebottom wall at an angle higher than 90° relative to the bottom wall andtowards the inner surface of the front shell portion such that, in use,the first and second projecting walls are adapted to deflect upon animpact to the outer shell, the first and second projecting walls and thebottom wall defining a front elongated channel; (c) a rear skeletonportion mounted within the rear shell portion, the rear skeleton portionbeing made of a semi-rigid material and having an inner surface and anouter surface, the rear skeleton portion comprising a plurality of rearmembers, the plurality of rear members comprising at least one rearmember having first and second projecting walls and a bottom wallextending therebetween, each projecting wall extending upwardly from thebottom wall at an angle higher than 90° relative to the bottom wall andtowards the inner surface of the rear shell portion such that, in use,the first and second projecting walls are adapted to deflect upon animpact to the outer shell, the first and second projecting walls and thebottom wall defining a rear elongated channel; and (d) an inner liningmade of foam and having an inner surface for contacting a substantialportion of the player's head.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a helmet forreceiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player, the helmetcomprising: (a) an outer shell for covering at least a portion of thehead, the outer shell having a front portion with a first ventilationaperture, a rear portion with a second ventilation aperture, an innersurface and an outer surface; (b) a skeleton mounted within the outershell, the skeleton being made of a semi-rigid material and having aninner surface and an outer surface, the skeleton comprising a pluralityof members, the plurality of members comprising at least one memberhaving first and second projecting walls and a bottom wall extendingtherebetween, each projecting wall extending upwardly from the bottomwall and towards the inner surface, the first and second projectingwalls and the bottom wall defining an elongated channel that is in aircommunication with the first and second ventilation apertures such that,in use, airflow is provided within the channel; and (c) an inner liningat least partially covering the inner surface of the skeleton.

These and other aspects and features of the present invention will nowbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of thefollowing description of specific embodiments of the invention inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention isprovided herein below, by way of example only, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a helmet havingfeatures in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the helmet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 a bottom view of the helmet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with thepads 128, 134 shown in a first position.

FIG. 5B is a bottom perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with thepads 128, 134 shown in a second position.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an inner liningfor use in the helmet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the inner lining of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a skeleton foruse in the inner lining of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the skeleton of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a skeletonfor use in the inner lining.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the skeleton of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the skeleton of FIG. 10.

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way ofexamples. It is to be expressly understood that the description anddrawings are only for the purpose of illustration and are an aid forunderstanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

To facilitate the description, any reference numeral designating anelement in one figure will designate the same element if used in anyother figures. In describing the embodiments, specific terminology isresorted to for the sake of clarity but the invention is not intended tobe limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is understood thateach specific term comprises all equivalents.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be readtogether with the specification, and are to be considered a portion ofthe entire written description of this invention. As used in thefollowing description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”,“right”, “up”, “down” and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbialderivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”,“radially”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustratedstructure. Similarly, the terms “inwardly,” “outwardly” and “radially”generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis ofelongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show various views of a helmet 30 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The helmet 30 comprises an outer shell 32that may be made of a relatively rigid material, such as polyethylene,NYLON, polycarbonate materials, thermoplastics, or thermosetting resinsor any other suitable material. It is to be understood that severaltypes of materials, such as fiber reinforced composite materials,extruded, molded, or cast materials and the like may be used for theshell.

The outer shell 32 has a front, a rear and opposing sides, an outersurface and an inner surface shaped to define a cavity 34 for receivingthe head of a hockey or lacrosse player. A front face shield cavity 36is formed at the front of the shell 32 and is configured to accommodatea face shield or face guard in front of the player's face. Ear cavities38 are formed on either side of the helmet 30 and are configured toaccommodate and/or fit the helmet around the player's ears. An occipitalportion 40 of the helmet 30 is disposed at a rear of the helmet, and isconfigured to accommodate the lower head/upper neck of the player. Aplurality of bolt apertures are also formed through the shell 32 so asto accommodate bolts extending therethrough for mounting otherstructures, such as a face shield, face guard, strap holders, and thelike, onto the helmet 30.

Multiple ventilation apertures are formed through the outer shell 32 soas to provide added comfort by allowing air to circulate around the headof the player. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front portion of the shell32 has a pair of first front ventilation apertures 50 formed to eachside of a longitudinal axis of the shell and a pair of second frontventilation apertures 54 generally above the first front ventilationapertures 50. One or more side ventilation apertures 60 may also beformed along each side of the shell 32. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, therear portion of the shell 32 has a pair of first rear ventilationapertures 62, a pair of second rear ventilation apertures 64 and a pairof third rear ventilation apertures 66 formed on opposing sides. Anarray of left and right middle ventilation apertures 70, 72 extendthrough the shell 32 along the top and back of the shell through amiddle portion near the longitudinal axis of the shell 32. As shown inFIG. 2, a central rear ventilation aperture 76 is formed through theshell 32 between the left and right middle ventilation apertures 70, 72.

The helmet 30 is of an adjustable variety. More specifically, the outershell 32 may be a two-piece shell having a front shell portion 80 and arear shell portion 82. The front and rear shell portions 80, 82 areselectively movable relative to one another so as to adjust the size ofthe helmet 30 to customize it for the player and thus improve comfortand protection. It is to be understood, however, that in otherembodiments a single-piece shell may be employed. In still furtherembodiments, a helmet shell having more than two pieces and/or beingconfigured differently than in the illustrated embodiment can alsoemploy inventive aspects discussed herein.

As shown in FIG. 4, the helmet 30 has an inner lining 84 mounted withinthe outer shell 32 and covering at least partially the inner surface ofthe shell 32. The inner lining 84 may comprise a front portion 86 and arear portion 88. The inner lining 84 is illustrated without showing theshell 32 in FIGS. 6 to 9. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the inner lining 84may at least partially cover a skeleton 90. For example, the innerlining 84 can be overmolded onto the skeleton 90 and may then haveseveral different padding elements 94 that fill cavities of the skeletonwhile the inner surface of the skeleton may be entirely or partiallycovered by the inner lining 84 such that the inner lining 84 has aninner surface for contacting the head of the player and such that eachof the padding element 94 has an upper surface facing the inner surfaceof the outer shell 32. The inner lining 84 can be made of anenergy-absorptive material such as foam, expanded polypropylene (EPP),expanded polyethylene (EPE), various plastic foams of various densities,combinations of these materials or any other energy-absorptive materialsuitable for use in protective gear.

FIGS. 8 to 9 show the skeleton 90 without showing the inner lining 84.The skeleton 90 comprises a front skeleton portion 96 and a rearskeleton portion 98 that are formed separately from one another. Thefront skeleton portion 96 and rear skeleton portion 98 generallycorrespond to the front shell portion 80 and rear shell portion 82 ofthe outer shell 32. Thus, each skeleton portion 96, 98 is moveable withits associated shell portion 80, 82 in order to facilitate custom sizingfor the player. It is to be understood that, in other embodiments, asingle, unitary skeleton structure can be used. In still furtherembodiments, a skeleton structure having more than two separately-formedpieces may be employed as desired.

The skeleton portions 96, 98 can be made of a semi-rigid,injection-molded polymer. For example, polypropylene reinforced withfibers (e.g. glass fibers) can be used. Other materials such as metals,fiber reinforced composite materials of various kinds, extruded ormolded polymers and the like can be employed. As illustrated, theskeleton 90 is formed of the front and rear skeleton portions 96, 98that are each unitarily molded. In still other embodiments, skeletonportions can be constructed of multiple independently-formed pieces thatare assembled together.

As shown, the skeleton 90 generally approximates the shape of the outershell 32, and at least outer edge portions 101 of the skeleton face theinner surface of the outer shell 32. As such, the skeleton 90 providessubstantial structural strength to the outer shell. The skeleton 90 maybe bonded or otherwise attached to the shell 32. During impacts to theouter shell 32, impact forces are communicated from the outer shell 32to the skeleton 90, and are communicated throughout one or both of theskeleton portions. This helps spread impact forces over a relativelylarge area and thus provides further protection for the players head.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the skeleton portions96, 98 comprises a plurality of skeleton members 100. Several of thesemembers comprise opposing, spaced-apart first and second projections102, 104 and a bottom wall 106, the first and second projections 102,104 and the bottom wall 106 defining a channel 108. Each of the firstand second projections 102, 104 extends upwardly from the bottom wall106 at an obtuse angle relative to the bottom wall 106 and towards theinner surface of the outer shell 32. The projections 102, 104 aredisposed at an angle relative to the bottom wall 106 that is slightlyhigher than 90° (e.g. between 91° and 110°). Thus, as impacts to theouter shell 32 are transmitted to the skeleton 90, instead of theskeleton passing such impact forces directly to the player's head, thefirst and second projections 102, 104 deflect, acting somewhat as aspring, and further absorbing impact forces before such forces aretransmitted to the player's head. Thus, the skeleton 90 both distributesand absorbs localized impact forces.

The opposing projections 102, 104 are inclined in directions generallyopposite to one another, forming a substantial V-shape or U-shape whentaken in cross-section. Of course, in other embodiments, othercross-sectional shapes can be employed.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the channels 108 of the skeleton 90 areopen, that is to say, not filled with foam padding or the like of theinner lining 84. Thus, in use, a free airflow can be created through thechannels 108. Further, multiple members 100 can be connected to oneanother, or integrally formed, in a manner so that their channels 108are contiguous, thus eliminating resistance to air flow through thechannels in each of the skeleton portions 96, 98.

As seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the skeleton 90 comprises a central memberextending along the longitudinal axis of the helmet at the front (seeFIG. 8), a front transversal member 140 and a top transversal member 130intersecting this central member at the front (see FIG. 8) and twotransversal members and an occipital member 110 provided on the rearskeleton portion 98 (see FIG. 9), these members each having left andright projections 102, 104 and a bottom wall 106 defining a channel 108.The occipital member 110 extends transversely across the rear of theskeleton. The occipital member 110 defines an occipital cavity 112,which sits adjacent the lower head/upper neck of the player. Similarly,the rear skeleton 98 has a temporal member 120 along either side of therear skeleton portion 98 generally above the area corresponding to theplayer's temple. A temporal cavity 122 of the skeleton 90 is definedbelow the temporal member 120 of the rear skeleton 98 and above the topof the ear cavity 38 of the outer shell 32, so as to be generally at thetemple of the player's head.

As seen in FIG. 9, the skeleton 90 may have an occipital tab 126extending from the occipital member 110 and into the occipital cavity112. As seen in FIG. 7, an occipital pad 128 is attached to theoccipital tab 126.

The occipital pad 128 may be configured so that it is movable between afirst position as shown in FIG. 5A and a second position as shown inFIG. 5B, the second position being towards the interior of the helmetrelative to the first position, the occipital pad 128 being biased tothe second position such that, in use, when the player dons the helmet,the pad 128 is deflected so that it presses against the lower head/upperneck of the player for exerting a force on the head of the player. Theoccipital tab 126 is sized and adapted to resist the deflection forceand thus apply a gentle force to the player's lower head/upper neckthrough the pad 128. In the illustrated embodiment the occipital pad/tab128/126 is biased to extend inwardly up to about one-half (½) inch fromthe inner surface of the outer shell 32, and thus there is sufficientspace to accommodate deflection of the occipital pad 128 towards thefirst position when the player puts the helmet 30 on. In anotherembodiment, the occipital pad is biased to extend inwardly aboutone-quarter (¼) inch from the shell.

The occipital pad 128 can be overmolded onto the occipital tab 126 orcan be affixed by any one of: gluing, bolting, riveting and stapling. Itis to be understood that various manufacturing processes can be employedto form the occipital pad and attach it to the tab. Moreover, instead ofbeing part of the skeleton, the occipital pad can be affixed to theinner lining or the outer shell while the pad is still biased inwardlysuch that, in use, when the player dons the helmet, the pad is deflectedso that it exerts a force on the head of the player.

The deflection of the occipital pad 128 is distinct from the elasticcrushing experienced by other pads when the player puts the helmet on inthat the occipital pad 128 is supported by the occipital tab 126, sothat rather than crushing the pad itself, the occipital tab 126 deflectsdue to the player's head.

As best seen in FIG. 8, the top transversal member 130 extendstransversely across the rear of the front skeleton member 96. On eachside a temporal tab 132 extends from the rear member 130 and generallyinto the temporal cavity 122, which is defined below the temporal member120 of the rear skeleton portion 98.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a temporal pad 134 is attached to eachtemporal tab 132. Each temporal pad 134 may be configured so that it ismovable between a first position as shown in FIG. 5A and a secondposition as shown in FIG. 5B, the second position being towards theinterior of the helmet relative to the first position, the temporal pad134 being biased to the second position such that, in use, when theplayer dons the helmet, the pad 134 is deflected so that it pressesagainst the player's temple for exerting a force on the head of theplayer.

In the illustrated embodiment, the temporal pad 134 is biased to extendinwardly about one-quarter (¼) inch from the inner surface of the helmetouter shell 32. As such, there is sufficient space to accommodatedeflection of the temporal pad 134 towards the first position when theplayer puts the helmet 30 on. In other embodiments the extent of thebias can be modified so as to be, for example, about one-eighth (⅛) inchor up to one-half (½) inch or more.

The temporal pad 134 can be overmolded onto the temporal tab 132 or canbe affixed by any one of: gluing, bolting, riveting and stapling. It isto be understood that various manufacturing processes can be employed toform the temporal pad and attach it to the tab. Moreover, instead ofbeing part of the skeleton, the temporal pad can be affixed to the innerlining or the outer shell while the pad is still biased inwardly suchthat, in use, when the player dons the helmet, the pad is deflected sothat it exerts a force on the head of the player.

With reference again to FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, the front and rear portions86, 88 of the inner lining 84 at least partially cover the inner surfaceof respective skeleton portions 96, 98 so as to provide padding for theplayer's head within the helmet.

The portions 86, 88 may be unitary or made of a plurality of padelements. In one embodiment, the skeleton portions 96, 98 are placed ina mold and foam material is injected over the respective front and rearskeleton members 96, 98 so as to bond to the skeleton members. Otherpadding layers may also be added. It is to be understood that in otherembodiments different manufacturing processes can be employed. Forexample, several different inner linings or padding elements can beformed separately and later glued into place and/or bolted, riveted,stapled or the like onto the respective skeleton members.

In one embodiment, each of the skeleton portions 96, 98 is placed in amold and foam is injected over the corresponding skeleton member. Thetemporal pads 134 are also injected over the temporal tabs 132 asdesired and a separately-formed occipital pad 128 is bonded to theoccipital tab 126. The assembled pads and skeleton members are thenarranged in the outer shell 32 and bonded into place or otherwiseattached to the shell 32.

As the player puts on the helmet 30, the inwardly-biased temporal andoccipital pads 134, 128 engage the player's head and work together toself-adjust the positioning of the helmet and keep it in an optimalposition. The optimal position maximizes the comfort for the player andalso maximizes the predictability of helmet behavior on the player'shead. Further, the self-adjusting features of the temporal and occipitalpads 134, 128, working together, place the helmet 30 in an optimalposition. The self-adjusting features resulting from the occipital andtemporal pads working together is substantially more effective than anyof the pads working alone. During play, the helmet 30 will not undulybounce around on the player's head, but is kept in a proper position forpotential impacts. Further, during jostling, as typically occurs withfrequency during hockey play, if the helmet is jostled so as to changeits orientation on the player's head, the inwardly biased pads 134, 128work together to right the helmet and restore proper fit and adjustmentwithout requiring a control action by the weaver. The inwardly biasedpads 134, 128 at the occipital cavity 112 and the temporal cavity 122exert self-adjustment forces in directions that are generally transverseto one another. This multi-directional biasing provides a secure andpredictable fit of the helmet 30.

It is to be understood that, in other embodiments, inwardly-biased padsmay be provided at still further locations, providing yet furthertransversely-directed self-adjustment forces to help customize and/oroptimize the fit of the helmet. Also, in other embodiments, locationsother than one or more of the occipital and/or temporal locations may beemployed for inwardly-biased pads. For example, another embodiment mayinstead employ inwardly-biased pads at or near the forehead portion ofthe helmet in conjunction with inwardly-biased pads at or near the upperback of the head of the player. Further, as discussed above, althoughthe illustrated embodiment includes the temporal tabs 132 extending fromthe front skeleton portion 96, which results in an inwardly-biasedforce, if temporal tabs extend from a different part of the skeleton,the direction of self-adjustment forces may be somewhat different, yetmay still cooperate with the occipital self-adjustment force to achieveadvantageous self-adjustment of the helmet. Still further, in otherembodiments, biased padding may be attached to the shell, and the helmetmay not include a skeleton, or may include a differently-configuredand/or smaller skeleton. Nevertheless, multiple self-adjustment forcesthat are directed in transverse directions preferably will be exerted soas to help self-adjust the helmet position on the player's head.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the front transversal member 140 of thefront skeleton member 96 has a first cutout 142 that corresponds to afirst aperture 150 formed in the front portion 86. With reference alsoto FIG. 1, the first aperture 150 of the front portion 86 preferablycorresponds to and aligns with the first ventilation aperture 50 of theouter shell 32. Thus, ventilation access is provided not only throughthe shell 32 and inner lining 84 to the player's head, but also to thechannels 108 of the skeleton 90. The front portion 86 also comprises asecond aperture 154 that aligns with the second front ventilationaperture 54 of the outer shell 32. However, in this embodiment thealigned second apertures 54, 154 do not access the channels 108. Thus,although some shell ventilation apertures communicate ventilationdirectly to the member channels, not necessarily all shell ventilationapertures communicate directly to member channels 108.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 6, the side ventilationaperture 60 of the outer shell 32 preferably aligns with a side portion156 of the channel 108 in the front skeleton portion 96. As such, aircirculating within the channel 108 can vent out of the shell 32 throughthe side ventilation aperture 60. Further, due to its positioning on theside of the helmet 30, as a player skates at speed, air flowingfront-to-back across the outside of the helmet 30 will flow across theside ventilation aperture 60. This air flow will establish a venturieffect, drawing air out of the skeleton channels 108, and ventilatingsuch air to the atmosphere.

As shown, the side ventilation aperture 60 opens generally toward therear. In contrast, the first front ventilation aperture 50 opensgenerally forwardly. Thus, during skating, air flows into the firstfront ventilation aperture 50 with momentum relative to the helmet 30 asa result of the player's forward speed. A portion of that air will enterthe skeleton channels 108. Simultaneously, air flow across the sideventilation aperture 60 facilitates drawing air out of the skeletonchannels 108. The first front ventilation apertures 50 and sideventilation apertures 60 thus cooperate to facilitate air flow into, outof, and through the front skeleton channels 108. As best seen in FIG. 1,the side ventilation aperture 60 faces generally rearwardly, and aportion 158 of the outer shell 32 protrudes outwardly to protect theside ventilation aperture 60 from entry of air flowing front-to-backacross the helmet 30. It is to be understood that, in other embodiments,different configurations of the side ventilation aperture may beemployed, and such an “exit” ventilation aperture is not evennecessarily at the side of the helmet, but may be disposed at otherlocations, such as the top, rear, etc.

As discussed above, the aligned first front ventilation aperture 50 ofthe outer shell 32 and aperture 150 of the front portion 86 not onlydirect air into the front skeleton channels 108, but also direct airdirectly to a space within the helmet 30. More specifically, during use,a “helmet space” is defined as a space within the helmet between solidstructures such as the skeleton 90, outer shell 32 or inner lining 84and the player's head, but not including the skeleton channels 108. Thealigned second front ventilation apertures 54 of the shell and aperture154 of front portion 86 also direct air directly to the player's head inthe helmet space. When the player is moving, air enters the helmet spacewith momentum, this facilitating a ventilating flow to the player's headand circulation of air that is already within the helmet space.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 9, as with the front skeleton portion 96, therear skeleton portion 98 may comprise members 100 that define channels108 through which air can flow. In addition, a rear cutout 160 formedthrough a sidewall of a rear skeleton member 100 communicates the rearskeleton channels with aligned first rear apertures 162, 62 of the rearportion 86 and outer shell 32. Also, the player's head is accessibledirectly through the first rear aperture 162 of the rear portion 88. Assuch, both the player's head within the helmet space and the rearskeleton channels 108 communicate with the environment through the firstrear ventilation aperture of the shell 32.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer shell 32 has an intake scoop 170adapted to facilitate entry of air into the second rear ventilationaperture 64 as the player moves forwardly and air flows across thehelmet in a front-to-back direction. The scoop 170 comprises an intakepathway 172 defined at least in part by an inwardly curved portion thatleads air to the second rear ventilation aperture 64.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the shell 32 has a raised portion 176 providedimmediately behind the second rear ventilation aperture 64 to stillfurther urge airflow into the second rear ventilation aperture 64.Airflow through the second rear ventilation aperture 64 is directed intothe helmet space and a channel. Also, air can freely flow out of therear channels and helmet space through the first rear ventilationaperture 62. Thus, there is provided both an inlet and an outlet to thechannels 108 in the rear skeleton portion 98 and the helmet space. Suchflow into the second rear ventilation aperture 64 and out of the firstrear ventilation aperture 62 will help facilitate air circulationthrough the rear portion of the helmet 30.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 7, the third rear ventilationaperture 66 is formed to the side and rear of the outer shell 32 andgenerally aligns with a third rear aperture 180 of the rear portion 88.As shown, the third rear ventilation aperture 180 does not communicatewith the channels 108 of the rear portion 88. However, it providesdirect access to the player's head. This ventilation access helps toventilate the area around the player's ear and upper neck, including thearea about the temporal pad 134. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outershell 32 has a scoop 182 configured to help direct air into the thirdrear ventilation aperture 180 as air flows front-to-back across thehelmet during skating as the player moves forward.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 7, air flow is also provided along the topof the helmet 30 due to the presence of the array of elongate left andright middle ventilation apertures 70, 72 along the top and back portionof the rear shell 82 and the elongated left and right middle apertures187, 188 provided on the rear portion 88, which are generally alignedwith corresponding ventilation apertures 70, 72. This provides a directpath from the player's head out of the helmet and into the environment.This structure is particularly amenable to ventilation of the player'shead as hot air within the helmet space rises and flows out of themiddle ventilation apertures. Such convection ventilation is enhancedby, for example, air being scooped into the helmet space through thefront ventilation apertures 50, 54 and thus being readily available andhaving momentum to urge air already within the helmet space to flow outthe apertures 187, 188, 70, 72.

Additionally, as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the rear skeleton portion92 has a middle member 192 with a fairly wide middle channel 194. Amiddle aperture 198 is also formed through the rear portion 88 so thatthe helmet space communicates with the middle channel 194. As best shownin FIG. 2, the central ventilation aperture 76 of the outer shell 32communicates with the middle aperture 198 and opens generally rearwardfacing. As discussed previously, as air flows across the helmet 30 in afront-to-back direction, a venturi effect will draw air out of thecentral ventilation aperture 76, thus drawing air from within the helmetspace through the middle aperture 198 of the padding and out of thehelmet through the central ventilation aperture 76. As such, the helmetuses both direct ventilation from the aligned middle ventilationapertures 70, 72 and venturi-assisted ventilation through the centralventilation aperture 76 and other ventilation apertures in order toenhance ventilation and cooling.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a space 200 may be provided between thefront and rear portions 86, 88. As discussed above, the space 200facilitates movement of the portions 86, 88 relative to one anotherduring adjustment/sizing of the two-piece helmet. The space 200 may alsoenable additional ventilation. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1,the outer shell 32 may comprise a front channel 202 defined between theoverlapping front and rear shells 80, 82 at the top of the helmet. Assuch, the front channel 202 will scoop up air as the player skatesforwardly for providing a flow of air into the helmet space. As such, afurther supply of ventilation air into the helmet 30 is provided. Asdiscussed above, there are multiple passageways for air to be ventilatedfrom the helmet, and as the player moves forwardly, the ventilation canbe enhanced through a structure that takes advantage of both themomentum of entering air and the venturi effect of air passing by aventilation aperture.

The provision of multiple flow paths through portions of the helmetfacilitates circulation of air while the player is being physicallyactive. Typically while playing sports, air within a player's helmetabsorbs heat from the player's head. Previously such air would betrapped within the helmet space or only ventilated by convection throughholes formed in the top of the helmet. However, experience has shownthat simply providing some holes through the top of a helmet has onlylimited benefits, and a significant volume of air tends to stagnatewithin the helmet, thus causing discomfort for the player. Due to theair circulation and ventilation facilitated by the positioning ofventilation apertures and channels as in the present embodiments,specifically, providing inlets and outlets that enable a venturi effectand take advantage of air momentum to still further facilitateventilation during physical activity, such heated air generally does notstagnate, but is instead caught up in the airflow and ventilated throughand out of the helmet.

As shown, channels formed by and through the skeleton 90 are providedfor allowing air circulation. However, it is to be understood that notall embodiments must employ such a skeleton portion, and channels havingfeatures as discussed herein may be provided in embodiments not havingsuch a skeleton. For example, in one embodiment, during molding of theinner linings, channels are provided within the inner linings inaddition to ventilation apertures so as to facilitate the venturi effectand to facilitate flow paths into and out of the helmet shell to helpfurther enhance circulation of air within the helmet.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, another embodiment of a skeleton 210 isprovided. The skeleton 210 has front and rear 212, 214 portions. As inthe embodiment discussed above, the front and rear portions 212, 214comprise a plurality of members 100 that define channels 108 thataccommodate airflow therewithin. In addition to the members 100, aplurality of cross members 220 are included. The cross members 220 donot necessarily define channels therewithin but extend between theskeleton members 100 and provide further reinforcement.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cross members 220 each have multipleconnecting ends 222 that attach to one or more of the members 100.Preferably, each of the ends 222 attach at or near the outer edge 101 ofthe respective first or second projections 102, 104. However, adjacentthe connected end 222 the cross member 220 preferably changes directionat a first bend 224 so as to be directed away from the shell surface andtoward the player's head. The cross-member then changes direction againat a second bend 226 to define a back portion 232, which is generallyaligned with the bottom wall 106 of the members 100 in generallyfollowing the contour of a player's head. A similar construction ispreferably provided at other connecting ends 222, with first and secondbends 224, 226 configured so that the connecting ends 222 attach to theouter edge 101 of the member projections 102, 104. The portion of thecross-member 220 between the first and second bends 224, 226 can bereferred to as a transition portion 230.

As in the discussion above in which each of the first and secondprojections 102, 104 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 106 at anobtuse angle relative to the bottom wall 106 so as to absorb anddistribute impact forces by deflecting, the cross members 220 are alsoconstructed so that the transition portions 230 are inclined relative toa tangent of the adjacent shell inner surface, and are thus configuredto deflect in a spring-type manner when subjected to impact forces.

Thus, the cross-members 220 help absorb local impact forces whilesimultaneously interconnecting members 100 to increase structuralrigidity and even better distribute forces throughout the skeleton 210.

As best seen in FIG. 12, the skeleton 210 has a pair of occipital tabs240 that depend from the occipital cross member 110 and extenddownwardly and are biased inwardly, toward the player's head. These tabs240 are configured to hold the occipital pad 128, which will be adhered,co-formed, or otherwise attached to the tabs 240. It is to be understoodthat various types of support structures can be provided depending fromthe occipital cross member in order to support the occipital pad 128,and in some embodiments the occipital pad 128 may comprise a pluralityof pad members.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, an extension portion 242 of the occipitalcross member 110 is provided on each side of the rear skeleton 214. Amount tab 244 is provided on the extension portion 242. The mount tab244 comprises an aperture 246 formed therethrough and supporting a post248 having an internal threaded hole for receiving a bolt passingthrough a mount aperture 249 provided on the outer shell 32. Moreover,two mount tabs 250 depend from the front cross-member 140 of the frontskeleton portion 212. The mount tabs 250 each have apertures that areeach configured to accept a post 254 having an internal threaded holefor receiving a bolt passing through mount apertures 256 provided on theouter shell 32. The mount tabs and posts can be located within the innerlining and/or embedded within the inner lining, if the material of theinner lining is overmolded onto these tabs and posts. This mountstructure can help to secure various structures, such as a visor or faceguard, which can be, for example, bolted onto the helmet 30.

The above description of the embodiments should not be interpreted in alimiting manner since other variations, modifications and refinementsare possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thescope of the invention is defined in the appended claims and theirequivalents. For example, some embodiments may employ only a skeletonhaving certain of the skeleton features discussed above, and otherembodiments may employ only certain of the ventilation featuresdiscussed above, with or without a skeleton, and some embodiments willemploy one or more of the features discussed herein but configured inother manners. Accordingly, it should be understood that variousfeatures and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined withor substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of thedisclosed invention.

1. A helmet for receiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player, saidhelmet extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising: (a) an outershell for covering at least a portion of the head, said outer shellhaving an inner surface and an outer surface; (b) a skeleton mountedwithin said outer shell, said skeleton being made of a semi-rigidmaterial and having an inner surface and an outer surface, said skeletoncomprising a plurality of members, said plurality of members comprisingat least one member having first and second projecting walls and abottom wall extending therebetween, each projecting wall extendingupwardly from said bottom wall at an angle higher than 90° relative tosaid bottom wall and towards said inner surface of said outer shell suchthat, in use, said first and second projecting walls are adapted todeflect upon an impact to said outer shell, and wherein said first andsecond projecting walls and said bottom wall define an elongatedchannel; and (c) an inner lining at least partially covering said innersurface of said skeleton, said inner lining having an inner surface forcontacting a substantial portion of the player's head.
 2. A helmet asdefined in claim 1, wherein said at least one member has a substantiallyU shaped cross-section.
 3. A helmet as defined in claim 1, wherein saidat least one member has a substantially V shaped cross-section.
 4. Ahelmet as defined in claim 1, wherein said skeleton is made of asemi-rigid polymer.
 5. A helmet as defined in claim 1, wherein saidskeleton is made of polypropylene reinforced with fibers.
 6. A helmet asdefined in claim 5, wherein said fibers are glass fibers.
 7. A helmet asdefined in claim 1, wherein said skeleton is made by injection-molding.8. A helmet as defined in claim 1, wherein said inner lining is made ofexpanded polypropylene (EPP) or expanded polyethylene (EPE).
 9. A helmetas defined in claim 1, wherein said inner lining is overmolded onto saidskeleton.
 10. A helmet as defined in claim 1, further comprising anoccipital pad hingedly mounted adjacent to said inner lining andextending downwardly from said skeleton for facing a portion of anoccipital region of the head, said occipital pad being deflectablerelative to said outer shell between a first position and a secondposition, said second position being towards an interior of said helmetrelative to said first position, said occipital pad being biased toextend inwardly up to at least ¼ inch from said inner surface of saidouter shell in said second position such that, in use, when the playerdons said helmet, said occipital pad is deflected so that it exerts aforce on the head of the player in said first position.
 11. A helmet asdefined in claim 1, further comprising left and right temporal padsextending from said skeleton for facing left and right temples of thehead, each temporal pad being deflectable relative to said outer shellbetween a first position and a second position, said second positionbeing towards an interior of said helmet relative to said firstposition, said temporal pad being biased to extend inwardly up to atleast ⅛ inch from said inner surface of said outer shell in said secondposition such that, in use, when the player dons the helmet, saidtemporal pads are each deflected so that said temporal pads each exert aforce on the head of the player in said first position.
 12. A helmet asdefined in claim 1, wherein said outer shell has a first ventilationaperture and a second ventilation aperture and wherein said elongatedchannel of said at least one member is in air communication with one ofsaid front and rear ventilation apertures such that, in use, airflow isprovided within said elongated channel.
 13. A helmet as defined in claim12, wherein said at least one member is a left side member extendingalong an axis generally parallel to said longitudinal axis and saidfront and rear ventilation apertures are first front and rearventilation apertures, wherein said outer shell further comprises secondfront and rear ventilation apertures and wherein said skeleton furthercomprises a right side member extending along an axis generally parallelto said longitudinal axis, said right side member having first andsecond projecting walls and a bottom wall extending therebetween, eachprojecting wall extending upwardly from said bottom wall of said rightside member at an angle higher than 90° relative to said bottom wall andtowards said inner surface of said outer shell, and wherein said firstand second projecting walls and said bottom wall define a secondelongated channel in air communication with one of said second front andrear ventilation apertures such that, in use, air flows is provided insaid second elongated channel.
 14. A helmet as defined in claim 13,wherein said first rear ventilation aperture is configured such that, inuse, air flowing front-to-back over said outer shell is drawn out ofsaid first rear ventilation aperture due to a venturi effect.
 15. Ahelmet as defined in claim 14, wherein said second rear ventilationaperture is configured such that, in use, air flowing front-to-back oversaid outer shell is drawn out of said second rear ventilation aperturedue to a venturi effect.
 16. A helmet for receiving a head of a hockeyor lacrosse player, said helmet extending along a longitudinal axis andcomprising: (a) an outer shell for covering at least a portion of thehead, said outer shell comprising a front shell portion and a rear shellportion wherein, in use, said front and rear shell portions are movablerelative to one another so as to adjust the size of said helmet, each ofsaid front and rear shell portions having an inner surface and an outersurface; (b) a front skeleton portion mounted within said front shellportion, said front skeleton portion being made of a semi-rigid materialand having an inner surface and an outer surface, said front skeletonportion comprising a plurality of front members, said plurality of frontmembers comprising at least one front member having first and secondprojecting walls and a bottom wall extending therebetween, eachprojecting wall extending upwardly from said bottom wall at an anglehigher than 90° relative to said bottom wall and towards said innersurface of said front shell portion such that, in use, said first andsecond projecting walls are adapted to deflect upon an impact to saidouter shell, said first and second projecting walls and said bottom walldefining a front elongated channel; (c) a rear skeleton portion mountedwithin said rear shell portion, said rear skeleton portion being made ofa semi-rigid material and having an inner surface and an outer surface,said rear skeleton portion comprising a plurality of rear members, saidplurality of rear members comprising at least one rear member havingfirst and second projecting walls and a bottom wall extendingtherebetween, each projecting wall extending upwardly from said bottomwall at an angle higher than 90° relative to said bottom wall andtowards said inner surface of said rear shell portion such that, in use,said first and second projecting walls are adapted to deflect upon animpact to said outer shell, said first and second projecting walls andsaid bottom wall defining a rear elongated channel; and (d) an innerlining made of foam and having an inner surface for contacting asubstantial portion of the player's head.
 17. A helmet as defined inclaim 16, wherein said front shell portion comprises a front ventilationaperture and said rear shell portion comprises a rear ventilationaperture and wherein said front elongated channel extends along an axisgenerally parallel to said longitudinal axis and is in air communicationwith said front ventilation aperture and said rear elongated channelextends along an axis generally parallel to said longitudinal axis andis in air communication with said rear ventilation aperture such that,in use, airflow is provided within said front and rear elongatedchannels.
 18. A helmet as defined in claim 17, wherein said rearventilation aperture is configured such that, in use, air flowingfront-to-back over said outer shell is drawn out of said second rearventilation aperture due to a venturi effect.
 19. A helmet as defined inclaim 18, wherein said inner lining is overmolded onto said front andrear skeleton portions.
 20. A helmet for receiving the head of a hockeyor lacrosse player, said helmet comprising: (a) an outer shell forcovering at least a portion of the head, said outer shell having a frontportion with a first ventilation aperture, a rear portion with a secondventilation aperture, an inner surface and an outer surface; (b) askeleton mounted within said outer shell, said skeleton being made of asemi-rigid material and having an inner surface and an outer surface,said skeleton comprising a plurality of members, said plurality ofmembers comprising at least one member having first and secondprojecting walls and a bottom wall extending therebetween, eachprojecting wall extending upwardly from said bottom wall and towardssaid inner surface, said first and second projecting walls and saidbottom wall defining an elongated channel that is in air communicationwith said first and second ventilation apertures such that, in use,airflow is provided within said channel; and (c) an inner lining atleast partially covering said inner surface of said skeleton.